The Essential Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo offers a selection of some of the writer’s most significant works, including excerpts from her novels, stories, tales, sketches, profiles, travel essays, travel memoirs, and criticism. In the Hispanic world, a man says, “Encantado,” and a woman, “Encantada,” upon meeting someone. It is another way of saying “mucho gusto” or “pleased/glad to meet you.” “Delighted,” however, is the better translation of the word, especially when one recalls and refers to the feeling triggered upon encountering Hidalgo’s works. “Charmed,” which is a stronger equivalent of “Encantado/a,” is an even better description of a reader’s reaction to Hidalgo’s narratives.

1. Short Stories, Philippine (English). 2. Philippine Essays (English).